Domestic violence is a crime in Ontario, and the police take it seriously. If you or someone you know is in danger from a spouse, partner, family member, or caregiver, you have the legal right to report it and seek protection.

This guide explains how to contact police, what happens after a report, and what protections are available in Ontario.

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If you are in urgent danger, call 911 immediately. Police officers will:

• Respond to the scene

• Remove the aggressor if necessary

• Take statements

• Connect you to victim support services

You do not need proof of abuse to make the call. Police are trained to assess the situation and ensure your safety.

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If it's not an emergency, you can still report domestic violence in several ways:

Find the non-emergency number for your city or town. For example:

• Toronto Police: 416-808-2222

• Peel Regional Police: 905-453-3311

• Ottawa Police: 613-236-1222

You can walk into any local police station and speak with an officer at the front desk.

Some Ontario police services allow you to report abuse through secure online forms for non-emergency cases.

They can help contact police or file a report on your behalf, especially if you are unable or afraid to call directly.

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• Police may open a criminal investigation

• The aggressor may be arrested immediately if risk is high

• You may be asked to give a formal statement

• Officers may issue a no-contact order or recommend a peace bond

• You will be offered support through the Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)

📌 In Ontario, the decision to lay charges is made by police, not the victim. This protects survivors from pressure or retaliation.

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• Emergency Protection Orders or restraining orders

• Peace bonds issued through criminal court

• Exclusive possession of your home or custody protections in family court

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• ✅ Call 911 in an emergency — you do not need “proof”

• ✅ Use non-emergency lines or walk into a police station for non-urgent help

• ✅ Police may arrest the abuser and file criminal charges

• ✅ You have the right to legal protection and victim support services

• ✅ Police will not force you to return to an unsafe situation

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• Ontario Victim Support Line (24/7): 1-888-579-2888

• Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258

• ShelterSafe.ca: Find a shelter near you

• Family Law Information Centres (FLIC): Available at most courthouses

• Victim Services Ontario: vsps.ca

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While I was unable to access the specific article at the link you provided, I can give you a comprehensive guide on how to report domestic violence to the police in Ontario based on information from official public sources.

Here is a step-by-step guide on the process, followed by 6 FAQs designed to improve SEO ranking for 2025.

No. If you are in danger, you should always call 911. For past incidents, you can call the non-emergency police line to have an officer come to you, or you can choose to go to a station if you prefer.

You should still report the abuse. Your detailed, sworn statement is a very powerful form of evidence on its own. The police will investigate based on your account of what happened.

This policy requires police to lay criminal charges in a domestic violence case if they have reasonable grounds to believe an offence was committed. It was put in place to protect survivors, as it removes the burden from the victim to "press charges" and prevents abusers from trying to coerce them into dropping the case.

After an arrest, the person will typically be held for a bail hearing. A judge or justice of the peace will decide whether to release them. If released, they will almost always be under strict conditions, including a no-contact order that legally prohibits them from communicating with you or coming near you.

Yes. The police will connect you with your local Victim Services. These organizations provide immediate emotional and practical support, including safety planning, connecting you with shelters, explaining the court process, and helping you apply for financial assistance.

Yes. In Canada, there is no statute of limitations for serious assault charges, including most forms of domestic violence. You can report historical abuse to the police at any time.